SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THE SAINTS ‘73 – ‘78 – LIVE NIGHTS IN VENICE VOL. 1

THE SAINTS ‘73 – ‘78
LIVE NIGHTS IN VENICE VOL. 1
IN THE RED RECORDS

The Saints ‘73 – ‘78 were a pioneering punk rock band from the initial blast of punk in 1976, although their musical origins date back to 1973. The Saints ‘73 – ‘78 were originally influenced by late 1960s garage rock and pre-punk bands, such as The MC5 and The Stooges. Once punk exploded, they were ready to record their debut single, which was released on an independent label. That record, “(I’m) Stranded,” packed with “No Time,” caught the attention of radio programmers and record-buying fans. On top of that, they were established in their native Australia, Europe, and the United Kingdom. They hit the road playing tracks from the first two Saints albums, (I’m) Stranded and Eternally Yours.

The band performed three concerts over three nights in Venice. The shows were recorded, and the four songs that make up Live Nights In Venice Vol. 1 were recorded on the second night. Live Nights In Venice Vol. 1 features two songs from their first two albums. They really had no choice but to perform “Nights In Venice,” a track from their debut album, (I’m) Stranded. The song explodes, and it’s no surprise that the crowd erupts at the end. Kuepper and Hay have formed an eight-piece band who perform a tight and rocking version of the song. The energy is incredible. This is followed by “No Time,” a track from the same album. Again, the band grabs the song and turns it into a force of nature.

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Two songs from Eternally Yours complete the four-track EP. Even in a live performance, one can hear how the band has progressed since their first two albums. “(I’m) Misunderstood” is still punk, but with elements of metal. It is powerful, but it also demonstrates the band’s ability to create great melodies. The EP ends with “Know Your Product,” which features a horn section. The horn section adds a great deal to the overall sound and electricity of the song. Again, the band drives the song, and the audience, into a frenzy.

Hearing these four songs, one cannot help but feel like The Saints ‘73 – ‘78 should have made the entire concert available. However, these four songs serve as a healthy reminder that they are brilliant. It is great that The Saints ‘73 – ‘78 have brought these songs back to life and continue to perform them. Live Nights In Venice Vol. 1 is a small example of what made the early years of The Saints ‘73 – ‘78 so vital and proves why the band has influenced generations of artists.

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